This Energy Breakfast is full of delicious nutrient packed berries and iron rich cream of wheat. This energy packed breakfast bowl will tempt your taste buds and boost your spirits!
If you caught my post from yesterday, you know that I am now officially 30 weeks pregnant! Woo hoo! I am definitely in the home stretch, and while I have had my share of complaints, at the end of the day I know I am lucky. My nausea disappeared after the first trimester, my aches and pains have been minor, my energy is high, I am still able to work out…. Yes, in the realm of pregnancy, I have it easy!
I never really expect to find out much of anything at my monthly appointments….and for the most part, I don’t! But at my last appointment I was told that my iron levels are low, and that I should start taking an iron supplement. Harumph. Who wants to take a supplement!? (Better question – why am I so stubborn about it?) I’m not really sure, but it turns out the last thing I want to do is start taking an iron supplement!
Energy Breakfast
So….I decided to take a look at the list of “iron rich” foods my doctor gave to me. And guess what. Right at the top of the list was Cream of Wheat! A flashback to my childhood! If you’ve never tried Cream of Wheat, it’s along the lines of oatmeal but probably tastes more like grits. It’s a really good base for whatever you want to add to it. When I was growing up, we used to eat it with brown sugar and raisins….and I really liked it! And at the beginning of my pregnancy, I craved it! Funny how our body knows what we need….
Just to give you some perspective, one cup of Cream of Wheat provides you with 50% of your daily recommended iron intake. Not bad. And when you top it with other iron-rich foods, like almonds, strawberries, and dried fruits, you’ve got to be getting close to 100%. So what’s the deal with iron? Well, it’s simple. An iron deficiency will make you feel sluggish….and upping your iron intake will give you an extra boost of energy. Probably something this gal should consider, given the fact that we have 3 kiddos and another on the way…..just sayin’!!
Energy Breakfast – an Iron rich breakfast
I know this sounds a little bit like an advertisement for Cream of Wheat….but it’s not! Just a healthy and delicious breakfast option that would be great for anyone looking to boost their energy! I served it to a friend recently and she couldn’t believe how tasty it was….and how could it not be, when it’s topped with such delicious ingredients!?
One other thing – apparently dairy counteracts iron, while Vitamin C boosts it. So eating this with a glass of orange juice is the way to go!
Have you ever tried Cream of Wheat?
What is your favorite energy-boosting breakfast?
Ingredients
- 1 c. Cream of Wheat prepared according to package instructions
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/4 c. fresh blueberries
- 2 Tbsp. chopped almonds
- 2 Tbsp. chopped dried apricots
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
- *amounts are approximate; feel free to adjust according to taste!
Instructions
- Top prepared Cream of Wheat with your choice of toppings.
Looking for more delicious breakfast options?
Apple Cheesecake Breakfast Quesadillas
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Jamie | Jamie's Recipes says
I have to give this a try soon! I am also a mom to three and 30 weeks along with #4. I need all the extra energy I can get. 🙂
This is a total flashback to my childhood and gobbling down a bowl of Cream of Wheat before getting on the school bus in the mornings.
Jess says
Perfect breakfast for you Cathy!!! You look adorable by the way! I had to take the same supplement too, no fun!!!
Mary Frances @ The Sweet {Tooth} Life says
This is one of the prettiest breakfasts I’ve ever seen! Love all those fresh fruits. I don’t think I’ve ever even had cream of wheat – that is going to change! 🙂 Found you via the Saturday Night Fever party and so glad I did!
Betty Daniels says
YUMM! This would be a delicious breakfast. I had no idea that Cream of Wheat contained so much iron. Good for you…literally.
Jodee Weiland says
Cathy, you look so cute pregnant…and tiny for the fourth one! I love your breakfast recipe! I always liked cream of wheat, and this sounds delicious, as well as healthy! What a great idea! I’ll be sharing this for sure!
Monet says
You look just beautiful. I loved the last 10 weeks, actually 11, of my pregnancy. I hope you do too! And this looks like the perfect way to start the day. Thank you for sharing!
Kelly says
Aaw, you look so beautiful Cathy and definitely got that gorgeous glow – hope you enjoy the last weeks of your pregnancy:) Wow, I had no idea cream of wheat had that much iron, my doctor told me the same thing with this pregnancy – wish I had known sooner since I am stubborn too and didn’t take any of the iron supplements either. Thanks so much for sharing – can’t wait to try this now 🙂 Pinning!
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
You are officially the cutest 30 week pregnant person ever!!! What a small little bump… love it Cathy! This breakfast looks awesome, love all the fruit, nuts and nutrients you put in their. 🙂 Pinned!
Kelley says
This looks so good! And so do you! Holy moly you look great for 30 weeks! I have a box of cream of wheat in the pantry. Im making this tomorrow! (Seriously.. I am!)
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
I haven’t had Cream of Wheat in eons ….. since I was a little kid! Truthfully, I wasn’t very fond of it then …. but mine looked nothing like this!! 🙂 I’m thinking it might be time to revisit it – and I’m betting my kiddos would like it!
Gretchen @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
Oh my goodness you look so cute! Just a little baby bump!! 🙂
This looks fantastic! I used to eat oatmeal, but never Cream of Wheat. But … your breakfast looks so fantastic and fresh with all the beautiful fruit … I may need to start! I’ve always wondered if I’m slightly anemic – so a little extra iron could really help out! 🙂
Robyn @ simply fresh dinners says
This looks delicious, Cathy, and I’m definitely in need of some energy. I think it’s going to take me 3 months just to thaw out from this arctic winter we’ve had. I’ve never had cream of wheat but willing to give it a try.
You look fantastically healthy, btw. Pregnancy suits you! 🙂
Kelly says
Wow this looks absolutely delicious! I am not a morning person but this is so simple and full of healthy foods. Thank you SO much for sharing this, I can’t wait to try it!
Here form the weekend retreat 🙂
Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says
You are the cutest pregnant girl Cathy! SUch a cute bump 🙂 Also this breakfast looks AMAZING! So bright and vibrant, I love it!
Jen @ Yummy Healthy Easy says
You are SO FREAKING CUTE!!!! Your belly is darling! I can’t even believe how fabulous you look! I look like a beached white whale when I’m pregnant. Ha! So excited you’re in the home stretch! It’s almost baby time! And this breakfast is totally something I would love. Going to give it a try!
Yvonne [Tried and Tasty] says
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!!! I can’t wait to use this in my round-up for breakfast – thanks for sharing!!